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This is a FREE event - no ticket required to attend the event.
Part of the Ards and North down Taste Summer Programme of events. To view the full programme, click here.
Returning to Comber Leisure Centre Car Park on Saturday 22 June, 11am - 5pm enjoy a wealth of artisan food and drink stalls, vintage tractor display, celebrity chef demos, children's entertainment and lots more foodie favourites at this free family event!
Come along to Comber and celebrate its famed potato, with chefs showcasing their culinary talents, discussions with food heroes, live music throughout the day, and an Artisan Bar – why not try a local beer brewed by McBride’s in the Square, Comber as well as other breweries from the area? A festival not to be missed!
Rachel Allen | A bestselling cookery writer, TV chef and celebrated teacher at the world-famous Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork, Ireland.
She is a popular figure in the culinary world, with an international audience for her bestselling cookery books and food writing, her live demonstrations, and her much-loved television programmes. Rachel was co-host of Good Food Channel’s Market Kitchen, has appeared on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, and currently co-hosts The Restaurant alongside Marco Pierre White for RTE as well as writing a weekly food column for the Sunday Independent. Read more about Rachel.
Lotte Duncan| is a skilled and highly experienced broadcaster. We are delighted to welcome Lotte back to Comber for the festival this year. Recognised as a leading authority on English cooking, she brings thirty years of food experience to her television presenting, live stage hosting and compering with a light, friendly and humorous touch. Read more about Lotte.
12noon – 5pm
Local food producers showcase their products as they chat with Lotte Duncan throughout the day.
Try your hand at some traditional Comber Earlies recipes, cook your own delicious dish, under SERC chefs’ guidance.
There are many ways to cook these famous potatoes, here is some inspiration for you to try at home - Comber Earlies recipes.
Enjoy walkabout entertainment, fun with Mr and Mrs Potato Head, ride on tractors, sensory activities. And keep an eye out for golden spuds, hidden throughout the event site. If you find one bring it to the Visitor Information Caravan (Opposite the Leisure Centre entrance within the event site) to claim your prize. (One prize per person)
Stage | Leisure Centre Car Park
The Broken String Band
12noon – 2pm and 3pm – 5pm
Brass Bands in Comber Square
12noon – 1.30pm Lily of the Vally
2pm - 3.30pm Comber Brass Band
3.30pm – 4pm Comber Youth
We encourage visitors to travel via public transport and the FREE buses provided. There are fresh water stations on site, so bring along your refillable bottles and reusable bags to pick up goodies at the event. Please dispose of rubbish in the recycling stations provided. Read more about Sustainability.
By car | Do you plan to drive to the event? Allow plenty of time for your journey. If you are travelling by car follow directional road signs to Comber, and check out what car parking is available in the city (free and charged).
Car parking | Ards and North Down Borough Council
Public Transport | There is a bus station in the town. For information on timetables, visit Translink.co.uk
Parking | Please note the Leisure Centre Car Park will be close to facilitate set up and take down of the event. Further information to follow.
Visitor Information Caravan | Located opposite the Leisure Centre entrance within the event site, members of our Visitor Information Centre team will be on hand to help with any event queries, wider tourism queries and you can pick up Visit Ards and North Down maps and guides.
Recycling | When disposing of rubbish please use the three recycling stations when on-site. Please note, the usual waste bins on-site will not be in use during the event. Please help us continue our sustainability commitment to zero contamination at events by using the correct bin. There will be team members from Recycling on hand to provide advice and help you put your rubbish in the correct bin.
Accessibility | All flat surfaces on hard concrete. Accessoloo will be in attendance, adjacent to the public toilets. Just off Castle Street. Assessoloo is a toilet facility for disabled people that has the right equipment, including Adult Changing Table, Ceiling Hoist, Lavatory, Grab Rails, Hot and Cold Running Water and Heating and Lighting. There will be two accessible portaloos close to the RLNI station and one at the end of Eisenhower Pier close to the pop-up bar.
First Aid | There will be First Aid Points at the entrance to the event site and behind the RNLI Station.
Lost children and Vulnerable adults | with crowds anticipated please pick up a wristband, which you can add a contact number to, at the Visitor Information Caravan located at the entrance to the site.
Dogs | Well behaved dogs are permitted under the supervision of their owners and must remain on lead at all times. Water bowls will be provided beside water refill stations.
Stay sun safe | we’re hoping for sunny weather, so please protect yourself with sun cream, hats and hydrate when at the event. Bring your refillable water bottles and use the water supply available at the event.
Further detail to follow - Keep checking back to the website, follow our facebook page or sign up to our ezine for updates.
[Please note, details subject to change. This event is being photographed/filmed. Images may be used in Ards and North Down Borough Council promotional material. If you do not want your image to be used, please inform our event staff].
For more information on safe alcohol consumption, visit the Drink Aware website.
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